Power transmission



April 1, 1941. E. F. WEB B POWER TRANSMISSION Filed June 27, 1938 *5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR BY EDMOND E WEBB r'milviys. Z

April 1, 1941. E. F. WEBB POWER TRANSMISSION Filed June 27, 1938 3 Sheet -sh t 3;

[1 km R INVENTOR y EDMOND E WEBB. B g5 .4 TTORNE Y5.

Patented Apr, 1., 194i UNITED, STATES PATIENT OFFICE POWER TRANSMISSION Application June 27, 1938, Serial No.216 ,003

19 Claims.

This invention relates to power transmissions and refers more particularly to improvements in speed ratio changing mechanism especially adapted for use in driving motor vehicles.

More particularly, the invention relates to change speed transmissions wherein the speed ratio drive for the vehicle is changed by an improved arrangement of control mechanism.

While the invention is applicable, in the broader aspects thereof, .to a variety of speed ratio gearing arrangements to provide speed changes above or below a direct drive from the transmission drive shaft to the vehicle drive shaft, the principles of the invention are illustrated in I connection with an overdrive mechanism wherein the driven shaft is at times driven faster than that ofthe driving shaft.

.The advantages of overdrive are well known in the art, especially since overdrive mechanisms have been used commercially in recent years. One type of overdrive, which is well known at this time, comprises a planetary gearing and automatic synchronous centrifugal force-clutch control so arranged that when the engine drives in the direct speed ratio, viz. 1 to 1, at or above the critical speed of engagement of the centrifugal clutch, this clutch may be engaged by momentarily reducing the speed of the engine by the amount of the overdrive gear train in order to synchronize the clutch members to establish the overdrive. The clutch is disengaged when the vehicle speed is reduced to some predetermined desired point below its speed corresponding to the critical speed of engagement of the automatically operating clutch.

One disadvantage of the foregoing type of overdrive, in common with other types of over-' drives and many change speed devices in general, is that when the vehicle is driven in the fastest speed ratio drive the engine torque is relatively low in comparison with slower speed ratio drives and the engine lacks the desired power for quickly passing another vehicle or for climbing a hill.

It is an object of the invention to provide a change speed mechanism wherein speed ratio drives may be conveniently and quickly changed ,by the vehicle driverpreferably in response to manually operable mechanism such as theusual (iii ' ticable.

thepedal when further power delivery from the engine to thevehicleis desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a driver controlled change speed mechanism, preferably in the form of a kick-down control, wherein the fastest speed ratio may be an overdrive synchronously controlled by automatic clutch means adapted for operation at a predetermined speed of vehicle travel. With such an arrangement the critical speedof the clutch means may be set relatively low becausev when the overdrive is in operation there is instantly-and i conveniently available a control on thechange speed mechanism to obtain a. slowerand more powerful drive so thatthe-benefits ofeconomy, quietness and the like may be obtained'by using the overdrive throughout a greater range of ve hicle speed thanmight otherwise be deemed'prac- Obviously, however, the overdrive-may be arranged to be operative-at anyspeed desired and may be automatically or manually controlled.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electrically controlled primemover operator for the changespeed mechanism preferably acting in conjunction with the kick-down mechanism. The prime mover is pr eferably; ;of theelectrically operated type, such as asolenoid operator by way of example. ,1;

A still further objectof the. invention is to p 50- vide an improved mechanism for controllingenergization of the electrically controlled or operated prime mover and more particularly .to control energization thereof by a driver manipulated control, such as a throttle control. I

More specifically, the invention has for its z able prime mover for controlling operationsof the holding means. I a .l

The electrically operable prime mover is adapted upon energization thereof. in wresponsc to manipulation of a driver control, to momentarily interrupt the driving torque to the:- change speed mechanism for accommodating actuation of the holding means-for the-planetary? control gear through operation ofthe prime indie Other objects'of the invention are to provide change speed mechanism automaticallyrzazoprablc to provide varying speed ratios best suitecl itoi the requirementsor conditions of motor vehicleididve.

By reason of the invention the vehicleais operated very efiiciently without sacrificing rapid w ating ability. Further objects and advantages .0

tion will be more apparent as the specification progresses, reference being had to the accomjpanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, somewhat diagrammatic in form, illustrating the power transmission system as a whole, a portion of the casing of the main speed ratio changing transmission being broken away to illustrate the gearing.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevational view taken as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. 4 illustrating,

the automatically operating speed responsive clutch forming the primary controlling means for the overdrive gearing mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken as indicated by the line 3--3 of Fig. 4 illustrating the planetary gearing.

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevational view through the overdrive mechanism and a portion of the main speed ratio changing mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional elevational view taken as indicated by the line 5-5 of Fig. 4 illustrating a portion of the planetary gearing and showing the electrically controlled prime mover operator therefor, together with a wiring diagram for the latter.

Fig. 6 is a detail fragmentary elevational view taken as indicated by the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 illustrating the overrunning clutch which ,forms a direct drive releasable connection between the driving and driven shafts of the overdrive mec anism.

Fig. '1 isa view taken as indicated by the line 1-1 of Fig. 1 illustrating a portion of the engine throttle valve adjusting mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, I hav illustrated my overdriving mechanism A interposed between a speed ratio changing main tnansmission B and a driven shaft 25, the latter extending rearward ly to drive the rear wheels (not shown) of the motor car or vehicle in the usual well known manner, it being understood that I have elected to show my invention in association with a motor vehicle drive although in its broader aspects, it is not necessarily limited thereto. The customary propeller shaft brake drum 26 is illustrated as comprising a part of the drive from the overdriving mechanism A to the vehicle.

The driving mechanism may be used to advantage at various other points in the lin of general the drive from engine C to the main transmission B is controlled by a clutch D of any suitable type, this clutch transmitting the drive to the main transmission by a shaft 21.

The transmission B may be of any suitable type, such as the conventional selector type operated in the well known manner by manipulation of the gear shift lever 28 and the usual selector controls, whereby the various adjustments may be made to the transmission in order to provide forwardly driving speed ratios and a reverse drive through the transmission.

Inasmuch as the type of transmission il1ustrated at B is well known in the art, we have shown only a portion of the operating m chanism in Figs. 1 and 4. coun-tershaft driving pinion 28 and also the direct drive clutch teeth 30, pinion 29 meshing with the driving gear 3| of the countershaft cluster gearing which further includes a second speed drive gear 32, a low speed drive gear Shaft 21 carries the 33, and a gear 34 in constant mesh with a reverse idler gear 35. transmission power take-off shaft 36 for rotation relative to this shaft, is the usual second speed gear 31 in constant mesh with the countershaft gear 32, a set of second speed clutch teeth 38 being driven with gear 31.

Splined on the shaft 36 for shifting movement along this shaft is the low and reverse gear 38 shiftable by a fork 48 under control of the gear shift lever 28. When the gear 39 is shifted forwardly into mesh with countershaft gear 33, shaft 36 will be driven from shaft 21 in a forward low speed ratio drive throughthe gear train 29, 3|, 33 and 35. When the gear 38 is shifted rearwardly to mesh with the reverse idler gear 35, shaft 26 will be driven backwards or in reverse relative to the forward direction of rotation of the shaft 21 through the gear train 29, 3|, 34, and 39.

In order to selectively drive shaft 36 in the second or intermediate speed ratio, and also in a direct drive, th usual shiftable clutch 4| is provided operable by the fork 42 under, pontrol of the gear shift lever 28, this clutch Hibeing drivingly connected to the shaft 36 and adapted for selective forward and rearward shifting movements respectively to clutch with the direct drive clutch teeth 30 or the second speed drive clutch teeth 38. During the direct drive, shaft 21 drives the shaft 36 by reason of engagement of clutch teeth 30 with the corresponding teeth of the shiftable clutch 4|. During the second speed drive the shaft 36 is driven at a reduction speed ratio greater than that provided by the low speed ratio drive, by reason of the gear train 29, 31, 32, 31, clutch teeth 38, and shiftable clutch member 4!.

The main transmission B has the aforesaid gearing disposed within a casing 43 which pro vides a reservoir or sump 44 for storing a suitable lubricating oil. The transmission casing 43 is formed with a rear annular wall 45 secured by fasteners 46 to the forward wall or flange 41 of the casing 48 for containing the overdriving mechanism A. Secured between walls 45 and 41 there is located an intermediate member 48.

The transmission shaft 36 is the driving shaft for the overdrive mechanism A and is .lournalled in a bearing 50 carried by the intermediate member 48, the shaft 36 having a rearward driving extension 5| which projects into the overdrive casing 48 and which is formed with splines 52.

Engaging splines 52 at the rear end of driving shaft extension 5|, is the inner member 53 of an overrunning clutch E which provides a releasable forward direct driving means from shaft 36 to the driven shaft 25. As best shown in Figs.

- the driving shaft 36 has a. forward direction of rotation imparted thereto, as indicated by the arrow 58 in Fig. 6, and with the overdrivin mechanism inoperative, the rollers 55 will be wedged between the inner and outer member 53 and 51 respectively of the overrunning clutch E so that the driven shaft 25 will be driven in a forward direction with the driving shaft 36. However, in the event that the driving shaft tends to slow down relative to the driven shaft, or in the event that the driven shaft tends to rotate Loosely mounted on the forwardly faster than the driving shaft, the rollers 55 will be released from wedging action and .pawls will fly outwardly under centrifugal force such tendencies of the shafts to rotate relatively to one another will be readily accommodated.

It will be apparent that in order to drive shaft in a reverse direction from the shaft 36. as when the gear 39 is shifted rearwardly to mesh with the reverse idler gear for driving the vehicle in reverse, some means must be provided to render the overrunning clutch E inoperative in order to establish a drive connection between these shafts. In the present'embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by reason of a shiftable clutch sleeve 59 having a set of splined teeth 60 slidably engaging the external splines 6| formed on the cylindrical member 51. The shiftable sleeve 59 is provided with an annular groove adapted to receive a portion of a sh'fting element 62 which is urged to the left as viwed in Fig. 4 by a coil spring 62'. 59 is formed with a set of internal clutch teeth 63 adapted, upon rearward shifting movement of sleeve 59, to engage a second set of clutch teeth 64 conveniently formed as a portion of the overrunning clutch inner member 53 so that the teeth 64 are drivingly connected to the shaft extension 5|.

Engaging the splines 52 forwardly of the overrunning clutch member 53, is the cylindrical hub portion 65 of a planet gear carrier 66 mounting a plurality of hollow shafts 67, one of which is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Each shaft 61 journals a planet gear 68 by anti-friction bearings 69. The planet gears 68 are in constant mesh with an internal gear or annulus H1 and also with a sun gear H through which the shaft extension 5| passes for rotation relatively thereto. Further details of the construction and operation of the sun gear II will be set forth subsequently-in connection with the control therefor.

Drivingly carried by the internal gear 10 is a pawl-carrying cage or core 12 of the automatic speed responsive clutch generally designated at F. The cage 12 is rotatably centered on the hub 65 preferably through an intermediate bushing The automatic clutch F is best illustrated in Fig. 2 wherein it will be noted that the cage 12 is formed with the pairs of diametrically oppocompanion clutching structure in the form of a cylindrical shell 18 formed as an integral forward extension of the shiftable sleeve 59.

Each pawl 16 is yieldingly urged inwardly or to its retracted declutched position of engagement with the bushing 13 as illustrated in Fig. 2 by a coil spring 19 which acts against the abutment of the pawl counter-balancing yoke portion Bl. The other end of each coil spring 19 engages an abutment 82 formed as the head of an adjustable bolt 83 which slidably projects through the abutment 80 for adjustable threaded connection at 84 with a cage projection 15. Each bolt head 82 is accessible for adjustment exteriorly of the automatic clutch by aligning one of the slots 11 with an opening 85 in which the bolt head 82 is disposed, and by rotatably adjusting the bolts 83 it will be apparent that the compression of the coil springs 19 may be varied to change the load upon the'pawls I6 and thereby vary the critical speed at which the The sleeve one of the slots 11.

acting thereon for clutching engagement with Each pawl 16 has an outer face which is cammed at. 86 so that the pawls willjump the slots 1'! when the pawls are urged outwardly by centrifugal'iorce prior to synchronizing the speeds of rotation of the cage l2 and the shell 18. r

In the operation of the ov'crdriving mechanism A. as thus far described. let it be assumed for the moment that the sun gear H is held against i'ota'tion'and that the parts are positioned as illustrated inFig. 4. The motor vehicle is accclerated from a position of rest by manipulating the main transmission B in the well known manner until, when shiftable clutch 4| is clutched with the direct driving clutch speed 36. the motor vehicle is driven as a direct drive from the engine through the main transmission B and also for a direct drive from shaft 36 through the overrunning clutch E to the driven shaft 25. For purposes of illustration, let it be further assumed that the critical speed of the automatic clutch F is such'that the pawls 16 will be held inwardly by the coil springs 19 until the motor vehicle is driven at approximately forty miles per hour, so that when the vehicle is driven at or abovethis speed the pawls will be urged outwardly but cannot engage thc slots 11 by reason of the relatively dificrent speeds of rotation of the cage 12 and shell '13 in con junction with the cammed pawl faces 85. Thus duringthis forward direct drive of the motor vehicle, the slots 1'! are. rotating forwardly at the same speed as that of the driven shaft 25 whereas the pawls 16 together with the cage 12 and internal gear I0 are rotating forwardly at a speed faster'than that of the driven shaftb'y the amount of the. overdriving planetary gearin ratio incident to driving the planet cage 66 at the speed of rotation of driving shaft 36 while holding the sun gear H relatively stationary.

When the motor vehicle is thus driven at or above the critical speed of operation of theautomatio clutch F, the overdrive is brought into operation by a momentary reduction in the speed of the driying shaft 36, accommodated by overrun at the overrunning clutch E, this reduction in speed being conveniently brought about by the vehicle driver releasing or partially releasing the usual accelerator pedal with an accompanying throttle-closing operation at the engine C.

As the speed of rotation of the driving shaft 35 slows down, the pawls 16 will be synchronized with the shell 18 and at such time the pawls will fly outwardly for clutching engagement with one of the slots 11 to thereupon couple shafts 36 and 25 by a two-way drive connection through the planetary gearing. r

As hereinbef ore noted. this drive connection provides an overdrive from the driving shaft 33 to the driven shaft 25 and the vehicle will be driven from the engine to the planetary gearing, assumin that the sun gear 1| maintains its relatively stationary condition, until the speed of the motor vehicle is reduced appreciably below the aforesaid critical speed of automatic clutch engagement. at which time the coil springs 19 will operate to retract the pawls to the Fig. 2 position thereby releasing the drive through the planetary gearing and restoring the drive through the overrunning clutch IE. it being apparent that this clutch will overrun during the aforesaid overdrive. By altering the adjustment.

ol the bolts 83 orby replacing the coil springs I9 with other springs of differing values, it will be apparent that the automatic clutch may be made to function at any desired speed of the motor vehicle.

When it is desired to render the automatic clutch F as well as the over-running clutch E inoperative, the shift-able sleeve 59 is shifted reargear II held stationary. As will presently be more apparent I have provided a secondary controlling means for the overdriving mechanism by reason of which the sun gear II may be released at the will of the vehicle driver and since the sun gear II takes the reaction of the overdrive, it will be apparent that when the sun gear is allowed to freely rotate the overdrive mechanism will be rendered inoperative even in the event that the automatic clutch F is engaged at the time of release of the sun gear.

I have also provided means responsive to rearward shift of the main transmission gear 39 into mesh with the reverse idler gear 35 for causing a rearward shift of the sleeve 59 to couple shafts 36 and 25 for the aforesaid two-way drive therebetween. The gear 39 is shiftable rearwardly to engage reverse idler gear 35 by a rail 81 to which is connected the yoke 40, the shifting movement of rail being effected by suitable rocking of the shift lever 28 as is well known. As the rail is moved rearwardly it engages the adjacent end portion'of the shifting element 62 to move the latter rearwardly against the action of spring 62'. The collar 59 is thus moved rearwardly to engage clutch teeth 63 thereof with the driving shaft clutch teeth 64 to thereby directly couple shafts 36 and 25 for a two Way drive therebetween. The rail is maintained in the position to which it has been moved by the conventional ball detent arrangement, not shown, but commonly employed in speed change mechanisms. It will be noted that when the sleeve 59 is so shifted to engage clutch teeth 63 and 64 the slots I1 are shifted out of alignment with pawls 16 and the automatic clutch is rendered inoperative. Upon movement of rail 81 to disengage gears 39 and 34 the sleeve 59 is returned to the position shown by the spring 62'.

If desired, the aforesaid two-way drive between shafts 38 and 25 may be established by means other than that set forth above and the automatic clutch F as well as overrunning clutch E rendered inoperative by shifting the sleeve 59 axially as aforesaid. Such other means may be controlled by the Bowden wire mechanism 88, lever 89 and cross member .90. However, inasmuch as this particular control means has no functional relationship with the control means I orming the subject matter of the present invention, details thereof have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

Heretofore in overdrive mechanisms of the foregoing type the sun gear of the planetary gearing has been permanently held against rotation to obtain the necessary reaction for the operation of the planetary overdrive. The additional control means whereby the speed change larged portion I04.

mechanism may be quickly and conveniently manipulated to establish a slower speed ratio, such arrangement being conveniently termed a kick-down" control, is shown in conjunction with the sun gear. In this arrangement the sun gear can be released for rotation to thereby release the overdrive and effect a change in the speed ratio drive through a slower drive in the mechanism A.

The releasable holding means for the sun gear preferably comprises a. pawl and ratchet arrangement and an electrically controlled prime mover operator, illustrated as a solenoid, therefor. Energization of the solenoid is preferably controlled by a vehicle driver control herein illustrated as the accelerator pedal. The control further embodies means for momentarily interrupting the ignition circuit for the Internal combustion engine whereby the driving torque to the change speed mechanism is momentarily interrupted to facilitate release of the holding means.

Referring particularly to Figs. 4 and 5, a collar. indicated generally at 9|, is splined on the sun gear I0 and has an annular radially outwardly extending portion 92 provided with a. plurality of circumferentially spaced notches 93. The rear face of collar 9I abuts the adjacent end face of the sun gear teeth and is retained in position by a ring 94, as shown in Fig. 4. A retractible pawl 95, slidably mounted intermediate a pair of fixed wear plates 95 and 91 extending through an opening 90 in the intermediate member 49 is adapted to engage a, slot 93 for releasably holding the sun gear I0 against rotation. A split ring 99, preferably of spring steel, resiliently grips the outer periphery of the main body of collar 9| to be oscillated thereby as will be presently apparent. The ends of the ring 99 are clrcumferentially spaced to provide an opening adapted to register with the opening 90 in the part 09 for accommodating engagement of the pawl 95 in a notch 93. One end portion of ring 99 has a radially outwardly extending ear I00 disposed intermediate the plates 96 and 91 and which overlaps a portion of pawl 95 having a reduced thickness as indicated at IOI when the-pawl is engaged in a slot for holding the sun gear against rotation. Oscillating movement of ring 99 is limited by engagement of ear I00 with the wear plates 95 and 91.

The pawl 95 is actuated by a rod I02 disposed in an opening I03 in a. laterally extending portion I04 of the member 49. The rod I02 has a ball end portion I05 received in a correspondingly shaped socket I06 in pawl 95, the latter having a. slot I01 communicating with socket I05 and receiving a portion of rod I02. This arrangement facilitates assembly of rod and pawl and prevents disengagement thereof when the rod is moved axially in retracting the pawl from a. slot 93. The opening I03 is enlarged at I00 to accommodate retraction of the pawl.

The rod I02 projects outwardly beyond the portion I05 through an opening in a cover plate I09 fixed by screws IIO to the end face of en- The wall defining the opening in plate I09 extends radially inwardly beyond the wall defining the opening I03 and provides an abutmentfor a washer III, The latter provides an abutment for one end of a coil spring lI2 surrounding rod I02, the other end of the spring abutting the pawl 95. The spring II2 yieldably urges the pawl to a position for engagement with a notch 93 and accommodates retraction of the pawl to a position of disengagement from a notch 93.

Operation of the holding means heretofore described for the sun gear of the planetary gearing is controlled by an electrically controlled prime mover motor herein illustrated as a solenoid and generally designated by the numeral H3. The solenoid is contained within a casing II4 having a lateral flange secured to the plate I09 by screws II5. Contained within the casing I I4 is the usual solenoid coil' I I6 spaced from the plate I09 by the spacer IIT having a central opening accommodating the solenoid core H8. The latter has an opening II9 therein through which extends the pawl actuator rod I02 and within which is disposed a coil spring I20 surrounding the rod I02. One end of spring I20 abuts a washer I2I fixedly mounted onrod I02. the washer abutting the adjacent face of the at I36. The circuit also includes the secondary coil I31 connected with the movable member I36 of the distributor, generally indicated at,

"opposing member of, the spark plug being 10' grounded in the engineas is also the coil I37, as indicated at I42. Connector I43 leads from the connector I33 to switch I 26. The solenoid coil H6 is connected to the aforesaid circuit by circuit wire I44, the circuit to the solenoid being controlled by the switch indicated at I 45. The

make and break switch indicated at I38 operates in timed relation with the movable memradially inwardly extending portion of the end wall of core II8 which portion has an opening I22. The opposite end of spring I seats against an abutment I23 secured to the core H8. The relation of spring II2 to spring I20 is such that when the latter is compressed by movement of core II8 to the left, as indicated in Fig. 5, the built-up energy is suflicient to move the rod I02 and pawl 95 against resistance of spring II2 for retracting the pawl as will be presently apparent.

Carried by and movable with the solenoid core H8 is a metallic rod I24 having a portion thereof projecting axially beyond the adjacent end face of the core and extending into an opening I25 in the end face of casing H4. The rod I24 is adapted upon movement of core H8 in response to energization of the solenoid to engage a contact point on an oscillatable switch blade I26 included in the engine ignition system as hereafter set forth. The switch blade I26 is carried by an insulating mounting I21 secured by screw I28 to casing II4. An insulat-' ing leg I29 is carried by blade I26 and engages the end face of the casing II4, it being understood that the blade is yieldably urgedto the position shown by suitable'means such as a relatively light spring.

The end face of casing has an opening I30 accommodating the free end of rod I02, the latterv being provided with an electrically insulated extremity I3I engageable with the Switchblade I26 for the purposes hereinafter set forth, it being understood that the rod I24 is adapted upon energization of the solenoid to engage the switch blade contact point prior to engagement of the insulated extremity I3I of pawl actuator rod I02 with the switch blade. As willbe presently apparent, the rod is moved to engage the contact point of switch blade I26 formomentarily combustion engine ignition system or circuit 5 which may be of any desired type and as herein illustrated includes the usual storage battery I32 having a connector I33 to the primary coil I34 and a return connector I35 in the latter of which is interposed a suitable switch, indicated her I38. That is to say the contact is broken as the member engages a respective contact point and contact is made as the member I38 breaks contact with the aforesaid point.

The switch indicated at I is' controlled by manipulation of a suitable vehicle driver operable member herein illustrated as the accelerator pedal for the engine throttle control mechanism. Referring to Fig. 1, the engine C is provided with the usual intake manifold I46 to which is conducted the usual gasoline and air mixture from a carburetor I41 under control of a butterfiy valve I48 adjustable by a lever I49 so that when the throttle valve is in its wide-open position the lever I49 will engage a stop I50 to prevent further throttle opening movement of lever An operating rod I5I has one end thereof pivotally connected as at I52 to'the lever I49 the other end of the rod being operatively connected to a leg I53 of a generally U-shaped member generally indicated at I54 rotatably supported by a rod I55 carried by the engine C. The rod I5I has a swivel connection with a block I56 adapted to move axially of rod I5I against the action of a spring I 51 seated against block I56 and abutting a fixed stop I58 carried by rod I5I. The spring has sufficient resistance to prevent axial movement of block I56 to effect rotation of lever I49 to move valve I48 to its fully open position at which time the lever engages stop I50.

The other leg ofthe U-shaped member I54 has a pair of arms I59 and-I60 to the latter of which is operatively connected one end of a rod I6I, the other end of the latter being connected to an arm I62 of a rotatably supported crank having a second arm I63. The'latter arm is connected by means of a rod I64 with an accelerator pedal I65 pivotally supported on the body toe boards I66. Depression of the accelerator pedal operating through the connecting linkage, including rod I64, crank arms I62, I63, rod I6I, U-shaped member I54, rod I5I and lever I49, effects opening of the butterfly valve I48. 'The operating mechanism for the valve is so arranged that the latter is moved to its fully open position prior to the pedal I65 reaching the limit of its travel, When the valve is thus positioned and the lever. I49 engages stop I50 further movement of the pedal I65. is permitted by the block I56 moving axially of rod I5I against the action of spring I51. Such further movement of pedal I 65 rotates the U-shaped member I54 to cause the arm I59 of the latter to engage the pin I59 to close the switch I45 controlling the electrical circuit to the solenoid H3.

The valve I48 is also provided with the usual manual control including the Bowdcn wire connection IBl having the usual operating connection to the vehicle dash (not shown). The Bowden wire IE1 is operatively connected with a lever I68 carried by rod I55 and adapted to engage the member I54 for rotating the latter as is well known in mechanisms of this type.

In the operation of the change speed ratio mechanism let it be assumed that the holding means heretofore described for the sun gear of the planetary gearing is in the position shown in Fig. 5 and the vehicle is operating at a speed to effect operation of the automatic clutch F to establish the overdrive as aforesaid and the vehicle operator desires to establish a slower speed ratio by means of the kick-down control. This is accomplished by moving the accelerator pedal I65 beyond the position at which the throttle valve I48 is in its wide-open position to cause the arm I59 of the U-shaped member I54 to engage the pin I59 to close the switch I45 whereupon the solenoid II3 is energized. Upon energization of the solenoid coil IIG the core II8 thereof is moved to the left as indicated in Fig. 5 andthe extremity of pin I24 engages the contact point of switch blade I to ground the primary side of the ignition circuit thereby momentarily interrupting the latter. This interruption in turn produces a momentary interruption of the driving torque to shaft 5I thus accommodating withdrawal of the pawl 95 from a respective notch 93.

As the solenoid core H8 is moved to the left as aforesaid, the spring I20 is compressed against fixed abutment I2I, it being understood that the spring abutment I23 is moved with core II9. When the driving torque to shaft 5I is momentarily interrupted through action of the pin I24 as aforesaid, the energy built up by compression of spring I20 snaps the pawl actuator rod I02 to the left as indicated in Fig. 5 thereby withdrawing the pawl 95 from a respective notch 93 against the resistance of spring H2. The insulated extremity I3I of rod I02 engages the switch blade I26 to move the latter away from the pin I24 for restoring the engine ignition circuit to normal operation and maintains this "condition as long as switch I is closed and solenoid II3'is energized.

It will be understood that the foregoing operations occur within a relatively short period of time and that interruption of operation of engine C is only momentary.

Referring now to the blocker ring 99 and the operation thereof in connection with the kickdown control, it will be understood that the shaft 5| rotates in a clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrows in Figs, 2 and 3, when viewed from the front and such direction will be used throughout the following description. The Fig. 5 showing is viewed from the rear to better illustrate the relation of the parts and the direction of rotation of shaft 5| being as indicated by the arrow.

When the holding means is in the position shown in Fig. 5, as aforesaid, the planet gears are being revolved in a clockwise direction by rotation of the carrier 65 by shaft 5|, and rotate on a respective axis in a similar direction. The tendency therefore is for the sun gear I0 to rotate in clockwise direction and carry with it the blocker ring 99 due to the latter resiliently gripping the collar SI of the sun gear. Where the pawl 95 is withdrawn from a slot 93 as aforesaid the sun gear is free to rotate in response to its above tendency and the ring 99 is oscillated in a clockwise direction to move the radially extending ear against plate to thereby prevent inward radial movementof the pawl 95 in response to action of spring I I2. In this manner a slower speed ratio is established and continued during the time the accelerator pedal is maintained beyond wide-open throttle position to close the solenoid control switch I45. During this operation the automatic clutch F remains operative and after release of the sun gear the planet gears rotate on a respective axis in a counterclockwise direction and impart a clockwise direction of rotation to the sun gear.

When it is desired to reestablish the higher speed ratio by returning the various parts to the position indicated in Fig. 5 whereby the sun gear I0 is again retained against rotation, the accelerator pedal is permitted to move clockwise, as shown in Fig. 1, from the wide open throttle position to open switch I45 thereby deenergizing solenoid II3. While the spring Il2 urges the pawl 95 radially inwardly to engage a slot 93, such engagement is prevented by the blocker ring 99 and can occur only by oscillation of the ring to a non-blocking position. This positioning of the ring results from rotation of the sun gear in a counterclockwise direction. To accomplish the latter the accelerator pedal is moved to a position to decelerate the engine C whereby the driven annulus I0 is permitted, through operation of the clutch E to overrun the engine driven shaft 25; that is to say the speed of the driven member I0 as well as that of the shaft 25 exceeds the speed of the driving member, and the driven annulus tends to drive the planet gears. This action is commonly referred to as "coasting and when the transmission is so operating the planet gears 68 are rotated in a clockwise direction, the sun gear being, of course, free for rotation, the direction thereof being counterclockwise. When the sun gear is so rotated it oscillates the ring 99 in a corresponding direction, the radially extending ear I00 engaging the plate 9'! to limit movement. The ring 99 is thus positioned to permit the pawl 95 to engage a slot 93 under action of the spring lit.

It will be apparent that means readily accessible to the vehicle operator is provided for quickly establishing a slower speed drive through the kickdown control. The operation is preferably controlled by the accelerator pedal inasmuch as the latter is the means commonly operated to effect an immediate increase in power transmission. The electrically controlled prime mover operator, herein illustrated as a solenoid, is fully responsive to the control in effecting the momentary interruption of the engine ignition system for accommodating release of the holding means, and for restoring the normal operation of the ignition system following the latter release.

I do not limit my invention, in the broader aspects thereof, to any particular combination and arrangement of parts such as shown and described for illustrative purposes since various modifications will be apparent from the teachings of my invention and scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

What'I claim is:

1. In a power transmission for driving a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an electrical ignition circuit and a driver manipulated throttle control; a driving shaft adapted to receive drive from the engine and a driven shaft adapted to drive from said driving shaft, planetary gearing operable between said shafts for driving the driven shaft circuit, and means responsive to energization ofsaid solenoid for releasing said holdin means.

2. Ina power transmission for driving a motor vehicle' having an internal combustion engine provided with an electrical ignition circuit; a driving shaft adapted to receive drive from the engine and a driven shaft adapted to drive from said driving shaft, planetary gearing operable between said shafts for driving the driven shaft from the driving shaft, braking means for controlling the operation of said planetary gearing, means for controlling operation of said braking means, said means including a solenoid for effecting release of said braking means, means for controlling the energization of said solenoid, and solenoid actuated means for momentarily interrupting operation of said electrical ignition circuit.

3. In a power transmission for driving a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an electrical ignition circuit and a driver manipulated throttle control; a driving shaft adapted to receive drive from the engine and a driven shaft adapted to drive from said driving shaft, planetary gearing operable between said shafts for drivin the driven shaft from the driving shaft, braking means for controlling the operation of said planetary gearing, means for controlling operation of said braking means, said means including a solenoid for effecting release of said braking means, means for controlling the energization of said solenoid, and solenoid actuated means for momentaril interrupting operation of said electrical ignition circuit, said solenoid actuatedmeans further including a follower member for restoring operation of said electrical ignition circuit.

4. In a power transmission for driving a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an electrical ignition circuit and a driver manipulated throttle control; a driving shaft adapted to receive drive from the engine and a driven shaft adapted to drive from saiddriving shaft, a planetary gearing operable between said shafts for driving the driven shaft' engaging means further including means operable b said solenoid upon energization thereof for momentarily interrupting operation of the electrical ignition circuit for said engine.

5. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine rovided with an electrical ignition circuit;

vehicle driver operable control means; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including engageable drive control elements adapted when engaged to establish said drive, said elements when engaged being subjected to thrusttransmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist disengagement of. said elements to release the drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; electrically controlled prime-mover operating means adapted to control disengagement of said elements thereby to release said drive; and means operable in response to energization of said prime-mover operating means to control operation of said ignition circuit, said operable means including a leader member operable to momentarily interrupt said ignition circuit for relieving said thrust-transmission and accommodating disengagement of said elements to release said drive and a follower member operable to restore said circuit when said drive is released.

6. In a power transmission for driving a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an electrical ignition circuit; a driving shaft adapted to receive drive from the engine and a driven'shaft adapted to drive from said driving shaft, planetary gearing operable between said shafts for driving the driven shaft from the driving shaft, braking means'for controlling the operation of said planetary gearing, and means for controlling operation of said braking means, said means including a solenoid, a leader member operable by said solenoid for momentarily interrupting said electrical ignition circuit, and follower means energizable in response to solenoid operation of said leader member and operable to restore operation of said electrical ignition circuit.

7. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine provided with an ignition circuit; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism includin positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subjected to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive. so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmisoperable incident to energization of said solenoid for interrupting said ignition circuit to relieve said thrust-transmission, a switch comprising a switch element movable to control restoration of said ignition circuit, a switch operating element movable incident to energization of said solenoid from a position thereof free from engagement with said switch element to a position thereof engaging and moving said movable switch element thereby to effect restoration of said ignition circuit when said drive control elements are relatively disengaged, and a single control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said solenoid.

8. In a power transmission for driving a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine p'rovided with an ignition circuit; driving and driven shafts, planetary gearing operable between said shafts for driving the driven shaft from the driving shaft, said gearing including a rotatable control gear adapted to be held from rotation to provide said drive and to be released for rotation to release said drive, holding means selectively opcrable to hold said contr 'Lgcar against rotation or to release said control for rotation, means for selectivel controllingfidperation of said holding means with respect to" d control gear, said means including a solenoid effecting release of raid holding means in resin se to interruption of said ignition circuit, means per-able incident to gine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; a solenoid for controlling relative operation of said elements, a spring energizable in response to operation of said solenoid, a switch comprising a switch element movable to control restoration of said igniiion circuit, a switch operating element movable under the influence of said spring from a position thereof free from engagement with said switch element to a position thereof engaging and moving said movable switch element to effect restoration of said ignition circuit when said drive csntrol elements are relatively disengaged, and a control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said solenoid.

10. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electromagnetic means including a movable armature for controlling relative operation of said elements, a spring energizabie in response to movement of said armature, a switch comprising a switch element movable to control restoration of said ignition circuit, a switch operating member movable under the influence of said spring to move said movable switch element to effect restoration of said ignition circuit when said drive control elements are relatively disengaged, and a control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said electro-magnetic means.

11. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively enga'geable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electro-magnetic means including a movable armature for controlling relative operation of said control elements, a switch comprising a switch element movable to control restoration of said ignition circuit, a switch operating member movable incident to movement of said armature for moving said movable switch element to effect restoration of said ignition circuit when said control elements are relatively disengaged, and a control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said electro-magnetic means.

12. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism includin positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relativel engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electro-magnetically operated mechanism for controlling relative operation of said drive control elements including a leader member operable to interrupt operation of said ignition circuit to relieve said thrust-transmission and .a follower member operable in response to relief of said thrust-transmission to restore operation of said ignition circuit when said drive control elements are relatively disengaged, and a control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said electro-magnetically operated mechanism.

13. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electro-magnetic means for controlling relative disengagement of said elements including an armature operable in response to energization of said electro-magnetic means, switch means operable incident to operation of said armature for interrupting operation of said ignition circuit to relieve said thrust-transmission, an operating member operable incident to relief of said thrust-transmission for effecting relative disengagement of said elements and causing said switch means to restore operation of said ignition circuit, and a control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said electro-magnetic means.

14. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relatively engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electro-magnetic means controlling relative disengagement of said elements including an armature operable in response to energization of said electro-magnetic means, switch means controlling operation of said ignition circuit, means operating in response to operation of said armature for effecting operation of said switch means to interrupt said ignition circuit and thereby relieve said thrusttransmission, means operating in response to operation of the last said means for effecting relative disengagement of said elements and operati n of said switch means to restore operation of said ignition circuit, and a control member operable by the vehicle driver for controlling energization of said electro-magnetic means.

15. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween durin said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; means for momentarily interrupting the drive to said elements to relieve said thrust-transmission and to control relative operation of said drive control elements including electro-magnetic mechanism having an armature operable in response to energization of said mechanism, and a spring forming a lost motion connection between said armature and one of said elements loaded in response to operation of said armature and operable to move the last mentioned element out of engagement with the other of said elements in response to relief of said thrust-transmission and to restore the drive subsequent to disengagement of said elements.

16. In a motor vehicle drive, power transmission mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements, at least one of said elements being movable in one direction to engage the other of said elements to establish said drive and being movable in the opposite direction to disengage the other ofsaid elements to release said drive, electro-magnetic means operable to control movement of said movable element in one of said directions comprising an armature operable in response to energization of said electromagnetic means, and a spring forming a lostmotion connection between said armature and said movable element and loaded in response to operation of said armature so as to move said movable element subsequent to armature operation.

17, In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle ineluding positively engageable drive control elements, one of said elements being movable in one directiorfto engage the other of said elements to establish said drive and being movable in the 0pposite direction to disengage the other of said elements to release said drive, one of said elements being subject to rotation, said elements being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; blocker means positionable under the influence of rotation of said rotary element to respectively block and accommodate relative engagement of said elements; a spring operable when loaded to move said movable element into engagement with the other of said elements when said blocker means is positioned to accommodate engagement thereof; a

second sprin operable when loaded to move said movable element out of engagement with the other of said elements in response to relief of said thrust-transmission, and electro-magnetic mechanism controlling movement of said movable element in one of its said directions of movement under the influence of said springs including an armature operable in response to energization of said mechanism for loading one of said springs.

18. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electro-magnetic mechanism for controlling relative disengagement of said elements including an armature operable in response to energization of said mechanism, and an operating member operable in response to armature operation to interrupt operation of said ignition circuit to thereby relieve said thrust-transmission and accommodate relative disengagement of said elements.

19. In a drive for a motor vehicle having an engine; transmission mechanism operable to provide a drive from the engine to the vehicle, said mechanism including positively engageable drive control elements cooperable for relative engagement therebetween to establish said drive and for relative disengagement therebetween to release said drive, said elements when relatively engaged being subject to thrust-transmission therebetween during said drive so as to resist relative disengagement thereof to release said drive until said thrust-transmission is relieved; an ignition circuit for said engine adapted to be interrupted to relieve said thrust-transmission; electro-magnetic mechanism for controlling relative operation of said elements including an armature 0perable in response to energization of said mechanism, an operating member operable in response to operation of said armature to interrupt operation of said ignition circuit, and spring means for eifecting relative operation of said elements in response to interruption of said ignition circuit.

EDMOND F. WEBB. 

